It's Time for the Islamic World to Face Reality

If Islam has indeed been hijacked by a cult, it better start saving itself immediately. This kind of barbarian behavior cannot be allowed to contine.CNN.com – Scores killed inÔøΩschool siege – Sep 3, 2004

Valery Andreyev, head of the local branch of the FSB intelligence service, said 20 hostage-takers had been killed, 10 of them from Arab countries, after Russian troops stormed the school earlier Friday. (Map of school)

Until now, the rebels have been regarded as residents of the restive republic of Chechnya or other Caucasus areas.

Many fatalities have been reported. Around 100 people have been seen dead in the school gym by journalists.

There also was a report that 23 bodies, including 17 children, were outside a hospital morgue and 10 more bodies were inside. One news report said the death toll could exceed 150.